When you finally have a home of your own, you discover that the necessities include being able to properly insulate it so that you can live comfortably. A cozy and warm house is all desire when it is cold. On the other hand, cool and refreshing home is also ideal during the hot summer season. Are you wondering if you can make your home comfortable without paying a fortune? The good news is that there are different insulation options to help keep inside your house during winter and also help keep heat out when it is hot. By insulating your home, you help reduce the demand for energy, which can save you money in the long-term. Here are 6 helpful tips on how to properly insulate your home.
1. Install Heavier Curtains
Consider replacing your sheers or blinds with heavier curtains to keep the cold and heat out. It is good to install heavy curtains made of cotton or other durable material to keep the heat in during winter. When it is hot, use shades to keep excessive heat out to not use more power cooling your home.
2. Spray Foam
Spray-applied plastic is another viable option that you can consider for insulating your home. You can apply spray insulation on the walls, on all contoured surfaces, and on the roof to provide air sealing barriers. The spray polyurethane foam quickly reacts when it is mixed, and it expands on contact to seal gaps, insulate walls, and forms vapor and moisture barriers. The foam is good for resisting heat transfer, and it also offers an effective solution for reducing air infiltration through joints, seams, and cracks.
The SPF solution provides a higher thermal resistance (R-value), and it works better than other outdated methods like fiberglass. The foam also helps seal cracks, fills irregular shapes, and adds structural strength. On top of that, the solution provides a better quality of indoor air, stops condensation, and lowers energy costs. The spray foam insulates your home entirely to prevent heat loss when it is cold.
3. Seal Doorways
You can seal all the gaps at the bottom and sides of the doors to prevent air from infiltrating your house. Insulating doors and windows also help retain the heat inside. You can use plastic sheeting on doors and windows to improve the R-value. Re-glazing is another option that you can consider for insulating your home. Double glazing can be a lasting solution, but you need to check with your local authority if permitted in your area.
4. Insulate Pipes, Tanks, and Radiators
Insulating water tanks, pipes, and radiators help reduce the loss of heat in your home. You can save money by spending less on heating if the water can stay hot for a longer period. If you insulate a water tank, it will retain the heat for longer, significantly reducing the home’s energy consumption levels. Additionally, insulating exposed water pipes also prevents heat loss in the basement before it is delivered to the house’s interior. The other crucial thing is that you will keep hot water hotter for a longer period if you insulate the pipes; this exercise is simple if the water pipes are easily accessible. However, you can call a professional if the pipes are hard to reach.
5. Insulate The Attic
You must ensure that the attic space is properly insulated to avoid heat loss in your home. A considerable amount of heat is lost through the attic, so you should make sure that all gaps are covered. You can apply a layer of foam or cotton to prevent air and heat from escaping, which helps warm your house.
6. Insulate The Floor
You can also save money by insulating the floor to trap and retain heat when it is cold. You also need to reduce drafts by sealing the gaps between the skirting boards and floors. You can use items like rugs and carpets to insulate the floor, and this option is cheaper. However, there is no need to insulate the upper floors.
Different weather elements can make your home uncomfortable if you do not have an effective heating and cooling system. However, insulation can be a good solution to this challenge, and the main advantage of this option is that it is cost-effective. There are different methods you can use to insulate your house, and these are simple to apply. It is important to choose the right insulating material, and you can do the task yourself.
